Milford erects first equestrian crossing light in state

By
Sharon Greene, The Oakland Press

Thursday, June 12, 2014

It may be the first, but it certainly won’t be the last; Milford Township and Oakland County have now set a precedent for an equestrian/pedestrian safety crosswalk and light that is also ADA compliant.

With 30 horses, 25 Boy Scouts, clusters of bikers and several hikers, the ribbon cutting for Michigan’s first equestrian crossing light took place on Milford Road at the East Huron River Parkway near an entrance to Kensington Metropark in Milford Township at noon on June 7

About 8 years ago, local trail riders Jeannie Kelleher and Bill Terian of Kensington Trail Riders brought the issue of the dangerous intersection to the attention of their township officials and the Road Commission of Oakland County. Although the Road Commission of Oakland County was aware of the safety problem, there were no funds at the time to improve the crossing light until recently. The trail is part of the historic Chief Pontiac Trail and is used by equestrians to ride between Kensington Metropark and Proud Lake State Recreation Area.

“The crossing is a collaborative effort between many parties,” said Craig Bryson, spokesperson for the Road Commission of Oakland County. “Many organizations contributed to raise $62,000 for the light that has a push button to activate a cross walk signal that is placed at a height appropriate for a person on horseback, in addition to the regular pedestrian button.”

Pegasus crossing lights (named after the mythological winged horse) are more popular in the United Kingdom, but are also found in California. This is believed to be the first equestrian light installed in Michigan.

Ron Fowkes, vice chair of RCOC, explained the names of the contributors listed on the large sign that was erected near the lightpost saying, “Many players were involved to make this a reality including the RCOC, Milford Township, the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority, the HCMA Foundation, Sunoco Logistics, West Bay Exploration, the Kensington Trail Riders Association and the Highland Equestrian Conservancy.”

Fowkes recognized former County Commissioner Bill Bullard, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chairman Michael Gingell and Dennis Kolar of the RCOC for helping to get the project off the ground. With a smile, he also credited his wife, Barb, an equestrian, for bringing the issue to his attention. Local officials who also supported the endeavor included Michigan Senator Mike Kowall, State Representative Eileen Kowall, Milford Township Supervisor Don Green, Director of Huron Clinton Metroparks, John McCullough, Chairman of RCOC Greg Jamian, Oakland County Commissioners Phil Weipert and Bob Hoffman who is also the chairman of the Highland Equestrian Conservancy.

Trailblazers from Proud Lake Trail Riders, Kensington Trail Riders, Rose Oaks Equine Adventurers and the Highland Equestrian Conservancy tested the timer on the light to see how many riders could get across safely — the new crossing light currently allows a 28 second countdown for equestrians to cross Milford Road.

Watching various people using the new light prompted Senator Mike Kowall to start investigating the cost for the second equestrian-pedestrian crossing to be installed on M-59 near the entrance of Highland State Recreation Area. The idea was quickly welcomed by Dick Russell, president of the Friends of Highland Recreation Area.

“I’m really excited about the possibility of a safety light on M-59,” said Russell.

Ground was recently broken for a new hiking/biking/horse path that will provide an improved entrance to the state park and eventually will cross Highland Road (M-59) in White Lake Township.

Kelleher is impressed that local and county officials not only listened, but took action.

“I didn’t know if it would ever really get done,” admitted Kelleher who has pushed for the safety improvement that would benefit all users, including those with special needs or in wheel chairs. “I made a promise before God and my friends that I wanted this safety issue resolved. Promise kept. Now I can exhale.”

Send horse or farm information, events or comments to sharonlgreene@hotmail.com